The Full Hunter’s Moon will reach peak illumination at 12:12 a.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026.
A silver lantern will climb the eastern sky this weekend, bringing a little extra drama and light to the October night sky.
The full Hunter’s Moon reaches peak illumination at 12:12 a.m. EDT on Monday, October 26, 2026—just after midnight. For the best chance to catch it rising, look toward the eastern horizon around sunset on Sunday, October 25. It should look nearly full on either side of the exact peak. The moon will rise at 5:38 p.m. EDT on Sunday, October 25 and set at 8:07 a.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026.
Hearst OwnedWGAL News 8 Storm Team
Viewing conditions are looking excellent across the Susquehanna Valley for the Full Hunter’s Moon.
The name Hunter’s Moon follows the Harvest Moon, which arrived in September this year. In the traditional seasonal story, harvest fields were cleared, making wildlife easier to spot, while the bright moon rising near sunset gave hunters more evening light. The moon’s light once helped people prepare food and supplies for the colder months ahead.
October’s full moon has collected other names, too: Travel Moon, Dying Grass Moon, Blood Moon, Drying Rice Moon, Falling Leaves Moon, Freezing Moon, Ice Moon, Migrating Moon, Seed Fall Moon, and Sanguine Moon. Full moon nicknames vary across calendars and traditions, so they aren’t universal labels. And while “Blood Moon” can be a nickname for October’s moon, it doesn’t mean a lunar eclipse is happening.
There’s a small seasonal trick behind the Hunter’s Moon’s reputation for lingering. Around this time of year, the moon’s path meets the horizon at a shallow angle, so it rises only a little later on successive evenings. That can stretch out the feeling of moonlit nights—an appealing bonus for anyone hoping to take in the autumn sky.
Hearst OwnedWGAL News 8 Storm Team
The Full Hunter’s Moon will occur on Monday, October 26, 2026 at 12:12 a.m. EDT.
Fun fact! Every three years, the October Full Moon is called the Harvest Moon. This name is given to the Full Moon closest to the Fall Equinox. In 2026, the Harvest Moon occurred on September 26.
No telescope is needed: find a spot with a clear view east, let your eyes adjust, and watch the moon emerge. Its exact full phase lasts only a moment, but the autumn spectacle is yours to enjoy across several nights.
Hearst OwnedWGAL News 8 Storm Team
Hourly forecast for Sunday, October 25, night into Monday, October 26, morning across south-central Pennsylvania. Viewing conditions are looking perfect for watching the full moon.
Viewing conditions across the Susquehanna Valley are looking perfect, with a mainly clear sky and light winds on Sunday night & early Monday morning.
Share your Full Hunter’s Moon Photos!
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Happy Full Moon hunting!